Gong Cha has planted its flag in Seattle’s Capitol Hill, bringing its first Pacific Northwest store to one of the city’s most energetic neighborhoods. The shop is operated by Ajay and Prachi Keshap, a father and daughter who see the debut as the beginning of a larger regional push. Their plan is to open as many as 50 locations across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho in the coming years, positioning the Taiwanese-born brand for significant growth in the region.
The Capitol Hill store has been designed with late-night customers in mind. It keeps its doors open until the early hours, offering a place where friends can gather for more than just drinks. The menu includes not only Gong Cha’s signature bubble tea but also comfort foods such as Shin Ramen and bubble waffles in flavors that range from matcha to Oreo. The combination reflects an effort to make the café a destination rather than simply a stop for takeout.
Technology also plays a role in shaping the customer experience. The location features the Super Wu machine, a system that automates the preparation of drinks, ensuring speed and consistency while allowing staff to focus on service. For the Keshaps, blending efficiency with hospitality is central to their approach as they introduce Gong Cha to a new audience.
Ajay Keshap brings years of experience as a multi-unit restaurant operator, with a track record of managing some of the top-performing locations of other national brands. His daughter, Prachi, plays a hands-on role in running the business and guiding strategy. Together, they aim to build a strong presence for Gong Cha in a part of the country that has not yet been saturated with bubble tea chains.
Gong Cha’s Pacific Northwest launch is part of a broader campaign to expand its U.S. footprint. The company currently operates more than 240 stores across 23 states, as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Globally, the brand has nearly 2,200 locations. With ambitions to more than double its American presence by 2028, Gong Cha is seeking new franchise partners in markets such as Southern California, Nevada, and Utah. The Seattle opening signals both the brand’s confidence and its intent to compete aggressively in the growing U.S. bubble tea market.
